Traveling Info

(姫路城, Himeji-jō?) is a flatland-mountain Japanese castle complex located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture and comprising 83 wooden buildings. It is occasionally known as Hakurojō or Shirasagijō ("White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior. It was registered as the first Japanese National Cultural Treasure by UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Japanese National Cultural Treasure in December, 1993. Along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle, it is one of Japan's "Three Famous Castles", and is the most visited castle in Japan. How to get there From Himeji Station, the castle can be reached in a 15-20 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride along the broad Otemae-dori Street, which leads in a straight way from the station to the castle. Click here for map Hours and Admission Admission: 600 Yen Hours: Daily 9:00 to 16:00 (until 17:00 from June to August). Closed December 29-31. Architecture, defenses, and design Himeji serves as an excellent example of the...

Kokoen is a recently constructed Japanese style garden, which was opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lords' west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). It consists of nine separate gardens designed in various garden styles of the Edo period. Among the gardens are the garden of the lord's residence which features a pond with waterfall, a tea garden where visitors can enjoy green tea in a tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, bamboo garden and flower garden. How to get there Kokoen Garden is located just outside of Himeji Castle, a short walk west of the castle's main gate (Otemon Gate). From Himeji Station, it can be reached in a 20 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride along the broad Otemae-dori Street, which leads in a straight way from the station to the castle. How to get to and around Himeji Admission: 300 Yen Hours: Daily 9:00 to 17:00 (until 18:00 from July to August). Closed December 29 to January 1. Click here for map